Condor plane at Vienna Airport. Photo: Amit Cotler German airline Condor has announced that it will discontinue daily flights from Berlin and Stuttgart to Dubai as part of the upcoming winter schedule.
The company explains that the decision was made against the backdrop of "continued challenging economic conditions" in the airline industry. Passengers who already have reservations on canceled routes will be notified and offered options to rebook or receive a refund, depending on the conditions of carriage.
The move comes as Condor criticizes the costs of operating in Germany. The company claims that the high costs imposed on the country's aviation industry are particularly burdensome for German airlines, and calls for a significant reduction in operating costs.
At the same time, Condor emphasizes that it supports open competition and international connectivity, but says that expanding air traffic rights should be done while maintaining reciprocity and competitive neutrality, and examining the impact on German airlines and the economic value remaining in the country.
Abu Dhabi is getting stronger. Photo: ShutterstockThe decision to cancel the routes to Dubai does not reflect Condor's withdrawal from the Gulf region as a whole. In recent years, the company has expanded its collaborations with airlines in the region.
Among other things, Condor signed a cooperation agreement with Emirates, allowing its passengers to connect through the company's network to dozens of destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
In addition, this year the company expanded its collaboration with Etihad, which includes direct flights from Germany to Abu Dhabi and a connection to the airline's network of destinations from the United Arab Emirates.
Thus, while the direct flights from Berlin and Stuttgart to Dubai are being removed from the flight schedule, Abu Dhabi continues to occupy a significant place in Condor's connectivity network.
Condor has signed a cooperation agreement with Emirates. Photo: ShutterstockCondor states that passengers who already hold reservations on canceled routes will be informed in advance and offered options for rebooking or refund, in accordance with the relevant conditions of carriage.
At this time, the company has not released further details regarding connecting alternatives to Dubai for passengers affected by the change.
Condor's announcement also includes a broader message to decision-makers in Germany. The company argues that reducing operating costs is a condition for German airlines to continue investing, expanding, and maintaining jobs in the industy.